Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a platoon
commander with the 3d Force Reconnaissance Company. While on a long-range reconnaissance
mission, 2d Lt. Graves' 8-man patrol observed 7 enemy soldiers approaching their position.
Reacting instantly, he deployed his men and directed their fire on the approaching enemy.
After the fire had ceased, he and 2 patrol members commenced a search of the area, and
suddenly came under a heavy volume of hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire from a
numerically superior enemy force. When 1 of his men was hit by the enemy fire, 2d Lt.
Graves moved through the fire-swept area to his radio and, while directing suppressive
fire from his men, requested air support and adjusted a heavy volume of artillery and
helicopter gunship fire upon the enemy. After attending the wounded, 2d Lt. Graves,
accompanied by another marine, moved from his relatively safe position to confirm the
results of the earlier engagement. Observing that several of the enemy were still alive,
he launched a determined assault, eliminating the remaining enemy troops. He then began
moving the patrol to a landing zone for extraction, when the unit again came under intense
fire which wounded 2 more marines and 2d Lt. Graves. Refusing medical attention, he once
more adjusted air strikes and artillery fire upon the enemy while directing the fire of
his men. He led his men to a new landing site into which he skillfully guided the incoming
aircraft and boarded his men while remaining exposed to the hostile fire. Realizing that 1
of the wounded had not em barked, he directed the aircraft to depart and, along with
another marine, moved to the side of the casualty. Confronted with a shortage of
ammunition, 2d Lt. Graves utilized supporting arms and directed fire until a second
helicopter arrived. At this point, the volume of enemy fire intensified, hitting the
helicopter and causing it to crash shortly after liftoff. All aboard were killed. 2d Lt.
Graves' outstanding courage, superb leadership and indomitable fighting spirit throughout
the day were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval
Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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